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NRA, New Orleans lawmaker agree to tweak domestic violence gun bill

Domestic Violence packet

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Family Justice Center and United Way of Southeast Louisiana issued a domestic violence information packet to lawmakers detailing reported instances of abuse across the state.
(Lauren McGaughy, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

House Bill 753, sponsored by state Rep. Helena Moreno, includes language that would allow law enforcement officers to confiscate an abuser's guns if he believes the perpetrator could use it to harm the victim. The bill is part of a legislative package aimed at extending more rights to victims of domestic violence.

But, after a meeting this week with NRA representatives, Moreno said she has decided to amend her bill when it is heard in committee Wednesday (March 26) to remove the provision unpopular with the national Second Amendment organization.

However, the change doesn't gut the legislation, Moreno cautioned. The bill would still bar those convicted of misdemeanor domestic abuse from possessing a firearm. Additionally, abusers against whom an
active protective order has been granted would be prohibited from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

"I'm very pleased," said Moreno, giving particular thanks to the NRA representative with whom she met and state Rep. Joe Lopinto, R-Metairie, the chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee that will hear the bill. "At the end of the day, we're still accomplishing big things."

Moreno noted in this posture, her bill has a much better chance of passing. Since the NRA will take a "neutral" position on the legislation, her colleagues that are a member of the organization won't see their points docked for voting favorably on her bill.

State Rep. Alfred Williams, D-Baton Rouge, has filed his own legislation that requires law enforcement officers to seize firearms at the scene of a domestic violence call. Moreno said she will support Williams' legislation regardless of her decision to amend her own.

"Obviously I support his," said Moreno, adding the caveat, "I don't know how far it's going to get."

Earlier Tuesday, two other bills co-sponsored by Moreno and state Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans, passed their first legislative hurdle. The bills would allow victims of domestic violence to receive punitive damages and to be granted immediate divorce.